A Look Into The Vibrant Day Of The Dead Celebration

Advertised as Southern Utah’s largest Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, celebrations in Cedar City wrapped up with a free event at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. 

Celebrations started two weeks ago with the opening of the ofrenda in the museum’s vestibule. 

You might be wondering what the Day of the Dead is. According to Britannica.com, “Dia de los Muertos is celebrated across Mexico with skulls, skeletons, and graveside visits. Dia de los Muertos is also celebrated in other areas of Latin America and the United States.”   

The rituals of the Day of the Dead were at one time part of the pre-Hispanic peoples of Mexico. Once the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the holiday was moved to coincide with All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. 

Some rituals of the Day of the Dead include wearing masks, adorning gravesites, eating food, and making ofrendas. 

Saturday’s celebration included music from Mariachi Fuego 

Dancing from Ballet Folkorico Herencia Hispana.

As well as storytelling, art activities, pan de muerto, ofrendas, taco trucks, and face painting.